University News

Education that empowers: University of Newcastle celebrates record graduation

More than 3,700 students, including doctors, teachers, psychologists and engineers will be celebrated over five huge days and 13 inspiring ceremonies as the University of Newcastle hosts its largest graduation ever this week.

Group of graduating Indigenous doctors with their families and the Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky

Adding to this significant occasion, the University of Newcastle will celebrate the biggest ever cohort of Indigenous doctors graduating from the Joint Medical Program (JMP), with 18 new doctors ready to bolster an empowered Indigenous health care network.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, reflected on this special occasion, emphasising the University’s pride in leading the nation in Indigenous health education.

“The University of Newcastle is committed to improving life outcomes of Indigenous Australians. Through dedicated education and support, over the last 40 years the medical program has graduated 180 Indigenous doctors,” Professor Zelinsky said.

Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky takes selfie with group of graduating Indigenous doctors

The JMP is delivered through partnership between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England, and each year allocates 17 places for admission to applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

Director of the University’s Thurru Indigenous Health Unit, Professor Peter O’Mara, noted the importance of creating pathways to medicine for all, highlighting the University’s support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“We offer a range of support to our Indigenous students, such as through the Miroma Bunbilla Program, a specialised pre-entry pathway to our Joint Medical Program. We provide a culturally supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally.

“Our students come from across Australia to study this program and on completion of their study, they graduate ready to become part of an empowered and capable Indigenous health workforce,” Professor O’Mara said.

Shelby Edwards in her graduation gown

Shelby Edwards, a proud Barkindji woman, is among those graduating from the JMP this Thursday and reflects on this incredible achievement.

“I am so honoured and proud to be a part of the largest cohort of Indigenous doctors to graduate from the JMP. Like anything, there have been challenges along the way but I wouldn’t be standing where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of Thurru and the JMP,” Ms Edwards said.

“Through the program I was connected with current medical professionals who had experienced the same challenges as me. They encouraged me to keep going and believed in me to become a doctor.”

Professor Zelinsky congratulated all graduates on achieving their study and career aspirations and highlighted the University's commitment to equity and access for all.

“In this record graduation, we celebrate the incredible achievement of each student, and reaffirm the University’s commitment to providing access to education and diverse career opportunities for everyone.

“Our graduation ceremonies are such a powerful example of how education can change lives. I know our graduates will inspire many people considering studying with us next year, and we want them to know that there’s a place for them at the University of Newcastle,” Professor Zelinsky said.

As the government aims for 80 per cent of the nation’s workforce to hold a university or TAFE qualification by 2050, the University of Newcastle is proud to contribute by delivering the blueprint for a free pathway to tertiary education. Group of graduating Indigenous doctors tossing their graduation caps in the air

“Every student graduating here this week has made an investment in their future. With nine out of 10 jobs created over the next decade requiring tertiary level education, we know they’ll reap the benefits of that investment for a lifetime.

“I’m proud that the latest graduate outcome survey shows that over 90 percent of our undergraduates and nearly 95 percent of postgraduates are employed within four months of graduation*,” Professor Zelinsky said.

This year the University will award Honorary Doctorates to six distinguished guest speakers including popular science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and renowned ABC journalist Robyn Williams AM for their dedication to the sciences.

Graduates will join a network of more than 185,000 alumni who stretch across 154 countries around the world.

Anyone considering their study options are encouraged to apply, with applications for many programs still open through UAC until 7 February 2025.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021-2023

To watch the 2024 Callaghan Graduation livestream recordings please click here.

For future Graduation ceremonies and dates please click here.